Metrodin

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Metrodin

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Urofollitropin (FSH)
Form Lyophilized powder for injection
Pharmacological class Gonadotropin, Ovulation Stimulator
Common use Follicle stimulation, Ovulation induction
Origin Urinary-derived biological drug

Metrodin: Definition and Pharmacological Classification

Metrodin is a medication whose active component is Urofollitropin, a substance classified as a gonadotropin and an Ovulation Stimulator. Urofollitropin is a highly purified preparation of the natural Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), which is a glycoprotein essential for initiating the growth and maturation phase of ovarian follicles. As a highly targeted agent, this specific formulation is distinguished by consisting almost exclusively of FSH activity with only trace amounts of Luteinizing Hormone (LH).

Composition and Origin: Urofollitropin as a Biological Drug

the active ingredient, Urofollitropin, is defined as a urinary-derived biological drug because the protein extract is obtained and rigorously purified from the urine of post-menopausal women. This natural source contrasts with synthetic alternatives and ensures the hormone’s structure closely aligns with the endogenous human FSH. The medicine is supplied as a sterile lyophilized powder for injection, which is a single-active ingredient product that requires reconstitution with a sterile diluent just prior to its parenteral administration. This targeted composition provides the essential hormonal signal for reproductive protocols.

General Purpose: Supporting Follicular Growth

The primary purpose of using Urofollitropin therapy is to provide the necessary hormonal stimulus to actively support follicular growth in the ovaries. By binding to FSH receptors, the drug promotes the development of mature ovarian follicles. This function makes the therapy a foundational component in clinical protocols designed for controlled ovulation induction or optimizing outcomes in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART).

What side effects are possible with Metrodin?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Metrodin (urofollitropin) is defined by its direct hormonal action, which carries risks of ovarian hyperstimulation and specific complications related to reproductive outcomes, as documented in official regulatory labeling.

Adverse Reaction Classifications

Side effects are officially categorized by the physiological system affected and their frequency, based on clinical data from regulatory sources (e.g., FDA Prescribing Information and SmPC).

Frequency Common Adverse Reactions
Very Common (ge 10%) Headache, Abdominal Cramps, Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
Common (1% to 10%) Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Injection Site Reactions, Pelvic Pain

Adverse effects commonly involve the Reproductive System (e.g., Ovarian Enlargement), Gastrointestinal System, and reactions at the injection site. Less common reactions that have been reported include Hot Flashes and various dermatological symptoms.

Serious Safety Considerations

Official labeling highlights several serious adverse reactions. The most significant is Severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), a potentially life-threatening complication that may require clinical management. Additionally, the label documents the risk of Pulmonary and Vascular Complications, including serious Thromboembolic Events (blood clots) and Adnexal Torsion (twisting of the ovary).

Reproductive and Exposure Safety Notes

Urofollitropin therapy increases the likelihood of specific reproductive outcomes, including Multi-fetal Gestation (e.g., twins, triplets) and an increased risk of Ectopic Pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus). The medication is generally constrained by pre-existing medical conditions, such as high FSH levels indicating primary ovarian failure or certain types of ovarian enlargement, as safety and efficacy have not been established in patients with significant hepatic or renal impairment.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory classification for Metrodin overexposure, or overdose, is the development of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), a condition resulting from an excessive ovarian response to the hormone. This manifestation is the primary focus of official overdose documentation.

Documented Manifestations and Severe Outcomes

Overdose presents with a range of symptoms and physiological changes, which are categorized as mild-to-moderate or severe OHSS. Documented clinical manifestations include severe abdominal pain, abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, oliguria (decreased urine output), and rapid weight gain.

The official labeling notes that severe OHSS carries a risk of life-threatening complications, including thromboembolic events (blood clots), ovarian torsion, and pulmonary issues such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). These severe outcomes affect the vascular and respiratory systems, requiring urgent intervention. No specific antidote for urofollitropin overdose is known; therefore, treatment is defined as symptomatic and supportive.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention

Immediate medical attention is required for any symptom of severe OHSS or signs of potentially life-threatening complications. These include:

  • Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing.
  • Signs of a blood clot (e.g., sudden numbness or weakness).
  • Decreased urine output combined with severe abdominal pain.

In such cases, the administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) must be withheld, and hospital monitoring may be required.

Therapeutic Uses of Metrodin

What Metrodin Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Metrodin (urofollitropin) is a fertility medication applied in therapeutic domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, primarily to manage conditions where functional stability becomes affected and symptoms create noticeable physiological strain. Its essential use is in scenarios involving heightened systemic burden.

This medication is relevant for easing symptoms that interfere with daily functioning across conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms, such as anovulation (the absence of ovulation) and in situations where management approaches may need adjustment, including cases of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). It is also commonly used to support patients during difficult episodes associated with Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). The medication may help patients cope more steadily with symptom fluctuations.

Quick Fact: Supports management of conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Metrodin?

Metrodin (urofollitropin) is strictly reserved for women whose infertility is caused by functional anovulation, including those with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), or for those undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). Eligibility is defined by a comprehensive set of regulatory exclusions.

The medication is absolutely contraindicated in women who are pregnant (FDA Category X) or who have Primary Ovarian Failure, which is indicated by high endogenous FSH levels. Use is also prohibited in patients with Sex Hormone Dependent Tumors of the reproductive organs, tumors of the pituitary/hypothalamus, or uncontrolled non-gonadal endocrinopathies (such as severe thyroid or adrenal dysfunction). Additional contraindications include abnormal uterine/vaginal bleeding of undetermined origin and ovarian cysts not due to PCOS.

For several populations, use is not established due to a lack of safety and efficacy data. This includes pediatric patients, older adults (geriatric use), and patients with known renal or hepatic insufficiency. Use during lactation is generally avoided. Patients with known thromboembolic risk factors, such as severe obesity, require conditional use and close monitoring.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official regulatory profile for Metrodin (urofollitropin) is highly specific, defined primarily by the absence of formal pharmacokinetic data and the existence of procedural constraints within reproductive treatment protocols. Regulatory labeling explicitly states that no human drug-drug interaction studies have been conducted to determine effects on metabolic enzymes or drug transporters, resulting in no documented entries for exposure-altering or contraindicating interactions with general pharmaceuticals, food, alcohol, or supplements. Furthermore, there are no documented population-specific interaction cautions, which is a key regulatory finding.

Documented Interaction Restrictions

The only officially documented constraints are pharmacodynamic, involving other gonadotropin preparations:

Interacting Substance Interaction Type and Restriction
Menotropins for injection (hMG) Co-administration Restriction: Permitted, but the combined initial dose is officially restricted and must not exceed 225 International Units (IU).
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Timing-Based Restriction: hCG must be withheld if ovarian monitoring suggests an increased risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) following urofollitropin treatment.

Connection to the overall interaction profile Regulatory documents define the product’s interaction structure through mandatory procedural constraints, rather than classical pharmacokinetic mechanisms. This structure limits the documented profile to specific pharmacodynamic co-administration rules and condition-based timing restrictions, which are integral requirements of the approved treatment protocols.

Mechanism of Action

Metrodin (urofollitropin) is a highly purified form of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) that functions as a direct agonist, engaging specific receptor-mediated signaling pathways within the reproductive system.


Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor Agonism

Metrodin acts by binding directly to the FSH receptors expressed on the surface of ovarian granulosa cells and testicular Sertoli cells. This engagement initiates an intracellular cascade by activating the membrane-bound adenylate cyclase enzyme. The resultant increase in the concentration of the second messenger, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), modulates activity within targeted pathways, initiating molecular steps essential for cellular function in both ovarian and testicular tissue.


Downstream Endocrine and Cellular Modulation

In the ovarian environment, modulation of the FSH receptor pathway induces the upregulation of the aromatase enzyme within granulosa cells. This biochemical consequence results in increased local estrogen production. This effect contributes to the proliferation and differentiation of granulosa cells, supporting the physical development of the ovarian follicle. In male physiology, this signaling pathway modulates Sertoli cell activity, affecting molecular signaling patterns associated with the process of spermatogenesis.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to use Metrodin — Official Administration Guidelines

Metrodin (urofollitropin) administration is defined by a precise protocol for controlled ovarian stimulation. The medication is supplied as a lyophilized powder for injection, which must be reconstituted with a sterile diluent immediately before use.

The administration must occur via intramuscular (IM) injection, and the final solution must not be mixed with any other medication in the same syringe. Use must always be carried out under the supervision of a physician experienced in fertility management.


Official Dosing Scope

Instruction Guideline
Route of Administration Administered by Intramuscular (IM) injection.
Dosing Schedule Initial daily dose is 75 IU. Dose adjustments are limited to 37.5 IU increments and occur no more frequently than after 7 days of treatment. Daily dosing generally should not exceed 300 IU.
Preparation Requirements Requires reconstitution of the powder with the sterile diluent immediately prior to use.
Course Duration The daily dosing regimen should not exceed 12 consecutive days within a single treatment cycle.

Resulting Procedural Structure

The protocol defines a controlled, short-term use pattern.

  • Administer the reconstituted solution once daily via intramuscular injection, starting at the 75 IU dose.
  • Continue daily dosing while under continuous medical monitoring to assess ovarian response.
  • Dose changes are delayed until after the first week of treatment and must be conservative.
  • Discontinue daily dosing once an adequate response is achieved or the 12-day maximum duration is reached.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Recent Clinical Evidence

Overview of Research

Research has examined outcomes related to moderate to severe chronic pain using Drug X. Studies compared the use of Drug X to standard care alone in adult patients who had not found adequate pain control through first-line treatments. The evidence currently available includes data from several randomized, placebo-controlled trials.

Key Study Findings

One 6-month, double-blind study (n=500) focused on patients with a one-year history of pain. The evidence suggests that a measurable change in pain was observed within the initial 48 hours for a majority of subjects (70%). The study recorded an average change in reported pain scores from a baseline of 7.5 to the 6-month endpoint (4.1).

Separately, studies examined findings related to overall opioid consumption when Drug X was combined with standard care. This analysis was performed on a sub-group of patients (n=150) who were actively using rescue opioid medication at the start of the trial.

Adverse Events and Research Limitations

The primary reported adverse events across studies included mild headache (15% of participants) and temporary gastrointestinal discomfort (10% of participants). No drug-related serious adverse events were reported by researchers during the study periods.

Long-term efficacy and safety continue to be investigated. The current research is limited to a maximum study duration of one year, and it is not yet clear whether the reduction in pain is maintained beyond the study periods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Metrodin (FAQ)

Q: Is Metrodin used for male infertility as well as female infertility?

Regulatory information for related Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) products indicates that they are used in conjunction with Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) to stimulate spermatogenesis (the process of sperm production) in some men. This use is generally restricted to individuals with specific hormonal deficiencies.

Q: How does the action of Metrodin differ from Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)?

Metrodin provides Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) activity to stimulate the growth of ovarian follicles. In contrast, the required follow-up injection, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), provides Luteinizing Hormone (LH) activity. This LH activity is administered to complete the final maturation of the follicle and trigger ovulation.

Q: Is abdominal bloating a common or expected side effect of Metrodin?

Official safety information reports that abdominal cramps and bloating are common side effects associated with Urofollitropin. These effects are often related to the hormonal action of the drug on the ovaries.

Q: Can Metrodin be used if a patient has a history of high blood pressure or blood clots?

Official warnings state that Urofollitropin carries a serious risk of thromboembolic events, which are blood clots. For this reason, the medication is generally associated with use under close medical monitoring for patients with pre-existing risk factors.

Q: What does a thorough medical evaluation check for before Metrodin treatment is started?

Official guidelines indicate that a thorough diagnostic evaluation is performed before treatment. This evaluation is necessary to exclude contraindications like primary ovarian failure or pituitary/hypothalamic tumors, and to ensure that the male partner’s fertility has been checked.

Q: Is Metrodin still effective if it is not stored in the refrigerator for a short period of time?

Official storage guidelines indicate that the unmixed lyophilized powder can be stored at controlled room temperature (between 3°C and 25°C). However, once the powder is reconstituted (mixed with the diluent), the resulting solution must be used immediately and any unused portion must be discarded.

Q: What should I do if I experience severe nausea or vomiting after the injection?

Official safety information advises that if a patient experiences severe nausea, vomiting, or other serious symptoms associated with Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), they must seek prompt medical attention. Their treating physician should be informed immediately.

Q: What are the initial signs of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) related to Metrodin?

Symptoms of mild to moderate Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) often include bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. More severe OHSS symptoms include rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, and decreased urination.

Q: How is the effectiveness of Metrodin monitored during a cycle?

Effectiveness and ovarian response are generally assessed using transvaginal ultrasound monitoring. Official monitoring protocols also include the measurement of serum estradiol (E2) levels (a type of estrogen hormone).

Q: Why is Metrodin administered as an injection instead of a pill?

Urofollitropin is a glycoprotein (protein) hormone. Regulatory documents specify that it is administered via the parenteral (injection) route because protein-based hormones are typically broken down and rendered ineffective by the body's digestive system if taken orally.

Q: What should a patient do if they accidentally miss a scheduled injection?

Official patient information describes that a missed dose is generally managed by taking it as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is near the time of the next scheduled dose, patients are instructed not to take a double dose and to adhere to the usual schedule.

Q: What kind of research evidence supports the use of Metrodin for patients who failed clomiphene citrate?

Clinical trial data for similar Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) products has examined their use in women who experienced failure to ovulate or conceive following adequate therapy with the medication clomiphene citrate.

Q: Has there been any long-term research on the safety profile of Metrodin?

Official prescribing documents do not contain long-term safety data that extends beyond the clinical trial duration. For this reason, official information states that safety and efficacy are not established for certain patient populations, indicating limited long-term research currently exists.

Q: Is it true that the original brand name Metrodin is discontinued in some regions?

Regulatory and scientific databases list the active ingredient Urofollitropin as a component of products that have a discontinued status with the FDA. This indicates that the original brand name may no longer be actively marketed in certain regions.

Q: What is the difference between Metrodin and recombinant FSH products?

Metrodin (Urofollitropin) is defined as a highly purified urinary-derived product that is extracted from the urine of post-menopausal women. In contrast, recombinant FSH products are manufactured synthetically using recombinant DNA technology.

Q: Why is a follow-up injection of hCG usually required after taking Metrodin?

Following adequate follicular development achieved with the FSH in Metrodin, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is generally required to be administered. The official purpose of this follow-up injection is to complete the final maturation of the follicle and trigger ovulation.

Q: What are the warnings associated with Metrodin use in women over the age of 35?

Official documents note that women in late reproductive life have a higher predisposition to certain conditions, such as endometrial carcinoma (uterine cancer) and an increased incidence of anovulatory disorders. A thorough diagnostic evaluation is generally indicated prior to starting treatment.

Q: Does Metrodin increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer?

Regulatory information reports an increased risk of developing uterine cancer (endometrial carcinoma) and a general association with sex hormone-dependent tumors. Such warnings indicate that any unusual vaginal bleeding should be reported to a healthcare provider.

How should Metrodin be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal Requirements for Metrodin

Metrodin (urofollitropin for injection), supplied as a lyophilized powder, must be stored under specific environmental constraints to maintain stability, and strict procedures apply to its handling and disposal.


Official Storage Conditions

The powder must be stored between 3°C and 25°C (37°F and 77°F). It is required to be kept in its original package to ensure it is protected from light and must not be frozen. All unused medicine must be kept out of the reach of children.


Stability and Disposal

The solution must be used immediately after the powder is reconstituted (mixed with the diluent), and any unused reconstituted liquid must be discarded. For disposal of unused or expired medicine, patients should consult a healthcare professional. Used needles and syringes must be placed in a hard, closed, puncture-resistant container and kept away from children.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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